Love’s Cunning Ruse

Chapter 297

“What’s it?” Kieran asked Zenith.

Instead of revealing the item, it was Jesse who’d been lurking by the doorway, suddenly striding into the room. Kieran and Julie’s friend Bolt, who they’d brought with them, thought something was up and followed him in.

Yet all Jesse did was close the room’s drapes before stepping back outside.

Bolt cast a bemused look at Kieran and Julie, only for Kieran to wave him off. Bolt then followed Jesse out, leaving Zenith to switch on the room lights and shut the door.

In the ensuing, eerily silent room, Zenith finally pulled out a small black box from his pocket and handed it to Kieran.

Since Zenith had wrapped it so carefully, it was clear he didn’t want Kieran and Julie to see what was inside.

“Who do you want us to give this to?” Julie asked Zenith.

Zenith didn’t name names, instead saying, “You’ll know when the time comes.”

Kieran set the box on the table, his eyes giving Zenith a measured glance as he asked, “Why are you so sure we’ll help you out?”

“Because I’m Lucian. How’s that for a reason?” Zenith countered, a smile curling up his lips that sent shivers down their spines.

1

The truth about Lucian that Julie and Kieran had been chasing for so long was now being self-proclaimed by Zenith, who they’d even used blood samples to test. Yet his devil-may-care attitude and stark difference from Lucian only muddied the waters further…

“So, you’re changing your tune now? No more denial?” Kieran held up the box.

“Didn’t you go for a blood test?” Zenith stood up, leaning onto the table, “After you deliver this to its rightful owner or get the test results from QuadDylan,

come find me.”

With that, Zenith drained his glass of red wine and left, not even touching his food.

Kieran clutched the box in his hand, only to see Zenith pause at the door to say, “Oh, and if you don’t want to get hit by a car again, keep this box a secret. And, I suggest you let her deliver it.”

at herself, her face full of confusion as she watched Zenith leave. He didn’t

Kieran, then looked up to ask, “The invitation

Cardinal

trust him?” Julie stared at Zenith’s retreating

say whether he believed him or not, but he still had Payne scan

Payne exclaimed, handing the box back to Kieran, “Kerry, do you think Zenith is really Lucian? Don’t you think there are

not a bomb…” Julie muttered, eyeing

to mention how he survived the plane crash, how is he walking? Is that some kind of miracle? And that incident with Bertha, he thought she was in cahoots with Julie, right? So, he was seeking justice for you. But that’s not justice, that’s outrageous. I believe

lost his memory.”

that and even wanted to take revenge on Julie. But the one

Kieran nodded.

for Julie to be careful. And then there was the time when the queen went to Feliz Gastro House to save Julie. That was also Lucian’s doing, right? And recently, Lucian got hurt while trying to save Julie.” Payne was getting frustrated, “So, the one who wanted to hurt Julie and the one who saved her multiple times is the same person. Do you think… Lucian

gave Payne a look, saying, “I don’t

that, he grabbed the box and Julie’s hand, and

do I feel like Kerry is looking

gave Payne a smile, “You misunderstood. Kerry is just saying

that’s even worse…

**

Cardinal Hotel.

was adorned with a red carpet and media on both sides. There were over a dozen valets standing by. Julie was taken by

He hated lovey-dovey couples the most, especially those who

gown for Julie. It was an elegant design with thin straps on the shoulders, revealing

color suited

just balanced, tantalizing, yet not too revealing.

Hapter 29

arm was wrapped around her waist, leading her

smartphone. Zenith had told her that he would let her know who to

attendees were all impeccably dressed, each exuding a sense of class and sophistication. However, none of them seemed to be the intended recipient of the black box.

holding Julie’s hand gently, gave her a reassuring glance, signaling her not to worry about the box.

I

Julie to each one. Although they had known each other for years, this was the first time she had attended